MG4 EV: Europe's Best-Selling Hatchback Comes to Canada
MG4 EV: Europe's Best-Selling Hatchback Comes to Canada
Here's something you don't see every day in the affordable EV space: rear-wheel drive. While virtually every sub-$50,000 electric hatchback sends power to the front wheels, the MG4 EV does things differently. It plants a motor at the back axle, achieving a near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution that gives this compact hatchback driving dynamics usually reserved for sports cars and premium German sedans.
The MG4 EV has already conquered Europe, becoming one of the continent's best-selling electric vehicles. In Australia, aggressive pricing turned the MG4 into the country's top-selling EV virtually overnight. Now, with Canada's new tariff-quota system allowing Chinese EVs at just 6.1% duty, the MG4 is positioned to bring that same formula to Canadian roads.
Why the MG4 EV Matters
Best For: Driving enthusiasts, hot hatch lovers, value-seekers who want more than A-to-B transportation
Key Advantages:
- Rear-wheel drive platform with 50:50 weight distribution
- 135kW DC charging (faster than most competitors)
- Up to 450km WLTP range (64 kWh battery)
- Estimated $32,000-$42,000 CAD pricing
- 7-year warranty in many markets
MG Heritage: A British Icon, Reborn in China
MG (Morris Garages) was founded in Oxford, England in 1924. Since 2007, MG has been owned by SAIC Motor, China's largest state-owned automaker. The MG4 EV represents the culmination of this transformation—British DNA in name and sporty positioning, modern Chinese engineering underneath.
SAIC is no small player. As China's largest automaker, the company has resources, scale, and proven export capabilities across Europe, the UK, Australia, and Mexico.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Standard (51 kWh) | Long Range (64 kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 51 kWh (LFP) | 64 kWh (NMC) |
| WLTP Range | 350 km | 450 km |
| Real-World Range | 280-310 km | 360-400 km |
| Motor Output | 125 kW (168 hp) | 150 kW (201 hp) |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| 0-100 km/h | ~7.5 seconds | ~7.1 seconds |
| DC Fast Charging | 117 kW peak | 135 kW peak |
| 10-80% Charge | ~35 minutes | ~26 minutes |
| AC Charging | 7 kW | 11 kW |
| Est. CAD Price | $32,000-$35,000 | $38,000-$42,000 |
The RWD Advantage
By placing the motor at the rear and the battery low in the floor, SAIC's engineers achieved near 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution. This creates:
- Neutral steering feel without understeer or torque steer
- Better traction under acceleration
- Predictable cornering with natural turn-in
- Engaging driving dynamics that respond to driver inputs
European reviewers consistently note that the MG4 feels genuinely engaging—praise rarely applied to budget EVs. The car has earned comparisons to hot hatches like the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Charging Speed Advantage
| Vehicle | DC Fast Charge | 10-80% Time |
|---|---|---|
| MG4 Long Range | 135 kW | ~26 minutes |
| Chevrolet Bolt EV | 55 kW | ~60 minutes |
| Hyundai Kona Electric | 100 kW | ~47 minutes |
| BYD Dolphin Extended | 88 kW | ~30 minutes |
The MG4's charging capability is more than double the Bolt EV's rate—a substantial advantage for road trips.
Australian Success Story
When MG launched in Australia with aggressive pricing, the MG4 became the country's best-selling EV in 2024, dethroning the Tesla Model Y. Key factors:
- Price positioning $10,000-15,000 below competitors
- Standard equipment that rivals charge extra for
- 7-year warranty
- RWD driving dynamics
MG Pilot ADAS Suite
Standard features include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keep Assist
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Traffic Jam Assist
The MG4 earned a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating with 83% adult occupant protection and 89% safety assist scores.
7-Year Warranty Advantage
| Brand | Vehicle Warranty | Battery Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| MG | 7 years / 150,000 km | 8 years / 160,000 km |
| Hyundai | 5 years / 100,000 km | 8 years / 160,000 km |
| Chevrolet | 3 years / 60,000 km | 8 years / 160,000 km |
| Tesla | 4 years / 80,000 km | 8 years / 160,000 km |
Competitive Comparison
| Feature | MG4 Long Range | Chevy Bolt EV | Hyundai Kona Electric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Est. Price (CAD) | ~$38,000-42,000 | ~$38,000 | ~$47,000 |
| Range | 450 km WLTP | 417 km EPA | 418 km EPA |
| Drive Type | RWD | FWD | FWD |
| DC Charging | 135 kW | 55 kW | 100 kW |
| Warranty | 7 years | 3 years | 5 years |
Canadian Distribution
MG has not announced official Canadian distribution plans. Realistic expectations point to late 2026 for pilot availability (likely Quebec and BC) with broader distribution in 2027.